Funds crunch: Major GSIDC projects on hold

PANAJI: Infrastructure projects which are nearing completion will be continued on priority while all other projects, especially where work orders have not been issued, will be put on hold, the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) decided on Friday .
Hit by a paucity of funds, particularly where resources were diverted to complete the South Goa district hospital, GSIDC has been left with no option but to prioritise projects. GSIDC has prepared a list of all projects and classified them into seven categories based on the progress achieved till date.
“The discussion was mainly about how to move forward on the current works under way . Projects nearing completion, where around 10% is left, we will try and complete,” said GSIDC vice chairman Joshua D’Souza.Construction and completion of the High Court complex at Porvorim will continue while major projects such as the Mapusa and Margao bus stand will be stalled, said D’Souza.
The administrative complex cum tower proposed at Patto has been put on hold along with the Rs 47 crore Accounts department office project. D’Souza confirmed that several bills remain pending and that funds were diverted to pay for the completion of the South Goa district hospital on urgent basis in view of the pandemic. Priority is being accorded to schools, hospitals and maintenance activity, GSIDC officials told TOI.